Your daily urine output is an indicator of your current state of health. Excessive or decreased urine output can be a sign that you are drinking too little or too much water, or it could be a symptom of an underlying condition. According to MedlinePlus, the normal urine output for a healthy adult is 2 liters per day.
Decreased Urine Output
Decreased urine output is less than 500 milliliters in a 24-hour period. A decrease in urine output can be caused by dehydration due to fever, diarrhea, vomiting or insufficient fluid intake. Other causes include severe infection, use of medications such as diuretics or conditions that result in total obstruction of the urinary tract, such as enlarged prostrate.
Excessive Urine Output
Daily urine output of more than 2.5 liters per day is excessive. Excessive urination is known as polyuria. A symptom of polyuria is frequent nighttime urination. Drinking a lot of fluids, taking medications such as diuretics, and the onset of diabetes can cause an increase in urine output. Medical tests such as imaging tests, which involve injecting a special dye into your vein, could increase urine output for up to 24 hours afterward.
Urine Output Tests
A doctor can perform a 24-hour volume test to measure the amount of urine you produce each day. He will give you a container in which to collect your urine and return as instructed. You label the container with your name, date, and the time you completed the test. On the first day, you urinate first thing in the morning, then collect your urine for the next 24 hours. On the second day, you urinate in the container one last time when you get up in the morning. You must keep the container tightly capped and in a cool place or refrigerated during the collection period.
Treatment
Treatment for decreased or excessive urine output involves conducting tests to determine whether the urination patterns are symptoms of an underlying condition. The doctor may perform a fluid-deprivation test if you are experiencing excessive urination. A fluid-deprivation test involves restricting fluid intake to see if urine volume decreases. An abdominal ultrasound, cat scan or renal scan may be performed to monitor kidney function if you are experiencing decreased urination. A special X-ray of the bladder, kidney and ureters, called an intravenous pyelogram, may also be performed.
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